Akufo-Addo Supports Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey's Candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo departed for Samoa in the South Pacific to attend the 27th Heads of States and Governments of the Commonwealth meeting, scheduled from 21st to 26th October 2024. Besides the meeting, it will also decide on the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth position. The front-runner is Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.

She faces competitors from among candidates presenting The Gambia and Lesotho, but the extensive diplomatic experience of Madam Botchwey has stolen much attention. Over the years, she gained recognition in various international platforms for strategic leadership on a number of key issues, particularly in fostering climate resilience and economic transformation across the continent of Africa.

Ghana's Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar, oozed optimism about Botchwey's candidature and hailed her commitment to trade, technology, and youth empowerment in her statement of vision for the future of the Commonwealth. Abubakar also pointed out how Botchwey would create history as the first African woman to be elected to head the Commonwealth in case of victory.

Akufo-Addo's visit to Samoa is not just symbolic but underlines how important this election is to Ghana's foreign policy. Being an old member of the Commonwealth, Ghana is determined to secure this prestigious position that will further raise its diplomatic standing. The President will engage other Heads of State to canvas votes and rally support for Botchwey, believed by many to bridge gaps between developed and developing nations.

Equally, the Commonwealth meeting presents an excellent avenue to reinforce multilateral relationships and strengthen trade networks among its 56 member states. The election is significant for Ghana and features the latter's aim of seeing one of its presiding over the global organization.